WASHINGTON, D.C – U.S. Representative Martha McSally Thursday successfully offered amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to protect the A-10 Warthog and EC-130H Compass Call, two aircraft stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DM). The amendments were added to legislation to authorize national defense spending that also included full funding for both platforms and passed the Committee early this morning 60-2.

“With the passage of this bill, we clear a major hurdle to keeping these planes flying and protecting our troops in combat,” said Rep. McSally. “Not only does the legislation fully fund both platforms, but the amendments I offered will prevent any additional backdoor divestment attempts, such as more transfers to backup status next year. As this bill moves to a vote in the full House, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues to support the capabilities we need and ensure we’re prioritizing the lives of American troops in harm’s way.”

The FY2016 NDAA passed today provides $682.7 million for the A-10 and $48.3 million for the EC-130H, providing full funding for both platforms. The legislation also contains provisions offered by Rep. McSally to prohibit the retirement or transfer to backup status of either aircraft. In addition, her amendment directs independent assessments of the capabilities or platforms needed to replace eventually the A-10 and EC-130H.

Rep. McSally has led a bipartisan effort to provide full funding for the A-10 Warthog since taking office. On Monday, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee Mac Thornberry said in a statement, “Rep. McSally has been a strong and persuasive advocate for the A-10 and for its unique, critical capabilities on the battlefield. Her relentless efforts helped to highlight the Administration’s flawed reasoning and strongly informed our decision to continue its funding.”

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base located in the Second District houses over 80 A-10 Warthogs and 15 EC-130H Compass Call aircraft. The Administration announced earlier this year plans to begin divestment of our entire A-10 fleet and 7 of the 15 EC-130H at DM. Today’s legislation to fund both aircraft is expected to be voted on by the full House in coming weeks.

To see additional actions Rep. McSally has taken to protect the A-10, click HERE.

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